Plot Synopsis

THE THIRD DAY is six-part scripted series that tells the mystery of the past, present, and future of the inhabitants and visitors on the ominous Osea Island.

In the first three episodes, "Summer," Sam is drawn to a mysterious Island off the British coast where he encounters a group of islanders set on preserving their traditions at any cost. Isolated from the mainland, Sam is unable to leave the idyllic and dangerously enchanting world he has discovered, where the secretive rituals of its inhabitants bring him to grapple with experiences of loss and trauma hidden in his past through the distorted lens of the present. As boundaries between fantasy and reality fragment, his quest to unlock the truth leads the islanders to reveal a shocking secret.

Then in the final three episodes, "Winter," Helen, a strong-willed outsider, comes to the island seeking answers, but her arrival precipitates a fractious battle to decide its fate.

In between "Summer" and "Winter," there is "Fall," a theatrical event broadcast online where viewers can be immersed in the world of THE THIRD DAY. Featuring members of the cast -- including Jude Law and Katherine Waterston -- viewers can follow the events of a single day in real time. Florence Welch also features in an acting role. Capturing events as live and in one continuous take, this cinematic broadcast invites viewers deeper into the mysterious and suspenseful world of THE THIRD DAY, blurring and distorting the lines between what's real and what's not.

Characters include:

Sam, a kind family man from London, is brought to the island after helping one of its young residents. He finds himself drawn to the Island, however it begins to take a psychological toll on Sam, as he begins to relive trauma from his past.

Jess is an American historian, and frequent visitor to the island. She is fascinated by the island's history and culture and is keen to share what she knows. She has a forthright, but comfortable nature about her, and becomes a confidant to Sam.

Mrs. Martin runs the local pub, The Oyster, with her husband. Brash and foul-mouthed, her bark is worse than her bite. He is a fastidious, cheerful man who always looks at the bright side of things. She and her husband are respected pillars of the community, who proudly uphold the island's traditions. He is quick to help Sam and welcomes him to the island with open arms.

Larry is a violent local, keen on causing trouble. He is a close friend of Jason's who wants Sam off the island, and he will stop at nothing to see him gone.

Jason is a local, and father to Epona, the young girl Sam helps. He is a troubled man who is suspicious of Sam and is unhappy with him staying on the island.

Helen, strong-willed and pragmatic, comes to the island with her daughters, Ellie and Talulah. She soon finds herself caught between the opposing factions on the island and must quickly determine who can be trusted.

Ellie comes to the island with her mother and sister to celebrate her birthday. Quiet and considerate, Ellie has been having trouble at school and finds solace in religion. She takes a liking to the island and befriends a local girl, who introduces her to the Island's culture and traditions.

Tallulah, bright and opinionated, is Helen's youngest daughter. She is less taken by the island than her sister and is keen to get back to the creature comforts that await on the mainland.

Though not being an island native, the Cowboy is a true believer of the island's customs and traditions. Ready to assist a fellow outsider, he helps Helen navigate the fractious battleground the island has become.


Episodes include:

"Friday: The Father" (Monday, September 14, 2020 from 9-10pm ET/PT): After Sam, a London family man in crisis, rescues a troubled young girl in the woods, he brings her home to the ominous Osea Island, where inhabitants are preparing for a curious annual festival involving the island's history. As he meets Osea's secretive locals, Sam grows increasingly desperate to return to the mainland to make an important call -- but the island proves difficult to escape. Written by Dennis Kelly; directed by Marc Munden.

"Saturday: The Son" (Monday, September 21, 2020 from 9-10pm ET/PT): Plagued by a disturbing dream, Sam awakes to find himself in a compromising situation and, having missed the morning crossing to return to the mainland, spends the day trying to learn more about the islanders' beliefs. After a series of confusing and terrifying events leaves him shaken, Sam quickly plots a way off Osea with Jess, but is convinced to stay put as the islanders prepare for a dry run of their big event. Written by Dennis Kelly; directed by Marc Munden.

"Sunday: The Ghost" (Monday, September 28, 2020 from 9-10pm ET/PT): Sam is shocked to learn the truth about his connection to Osea and the islanders' intentions for his future. Later, in a fight for his life, Sam tries desperately to escape their clutches and make it back to the mainland in one piece. Written by Dennis Kelly; directed by Marc Munden.

"Monday: The Mother" (Monday, October 5, 2020 from 9-10pm ET/PT): Winter. Helen surprises her two daughters, Tallulah and Ellie, with a trip to Osea Island for Ellie's birthday. After finding that the cottage she booked is suspiciously no longer available, Helen scours the island for a place to stay, but finds resistance at every turn. Written by Kit de Waal, Dean O'Loughlin and Dennis Kelly; directed by Philippa Lowthorpe.

"Tuesday: The Daughter" (Monday, October 12, 2020 from 9-10pm ET/PT): As the islanders prepare for a fateful birth, Helen reveals her true intentions in coming to Osea and, after joining a search party, is pressed on her past. A peculiar girl befriends Ellie and offers to take her to a mysterious place closed off to outsiders. Written by Kit de Waal, Dean O'Loughlin and Dennis Kelly; directed by Philippa Lowthorpe.

"Last Day: The Dark" (Monday, October 19, 2020 from 9-10pm ET/PT): Helen approaches what she has been looking for since her arrival as the power struggle looms; Tallulah observes an unsettlingly violent act; Ellie becomes privy to her mom's secret agenda; Helen and her girls prepare for their final escape attempt.